By Amos Aar
RESIDENTS of Makurdi, Benue State capital, are facing renewed flooding risks as early rains have exposed structural deficiencies in recently constructed drainage systems.
A visit to Wurukum Market–Akpehe Road on Tuesday, following a brief 30-minute downpour, revealed stagnant water flooding sections of the road.
Vehicles and traders navigated with difficulty through the accumulated water, highlighting ongoing concerns about the state capital’s drainage infrastructure.
Local traders told National Record that flooding has become a persistent issue during rainfall.
National Record‘s findings indicate that a newly expanded gutter, constructed approximately one month ago, was elevated above the surface level where water should drain, impeding natural water flow into the drainage system.
“The government should direct the contractor to create openings to allow water passage into the gutter,” said one Mr. Ogbonna, a shop owner near the affected area.
This is not the first instance of public outcry over inadequate drainage construction. Last year, several areas in Makurdi experienced severe flooding, which residents attributed to similar issues, including gutters built above ground level, obstructing proper water drainage.
Authorities have yet to comment on the matter as efforts to contact appropriate offices failed.
